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Tony Stewart hasn't competed in NASCAR since his final Cup race last November at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Tony Stewart wants back in a NASCAR Xfinity car for some road course starts

The three-time Cup Series champion has raced dirt sprint cars since his retirement

November 8, 2017

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Could we see Tony Stewart back in a NASCAR entry next season?

Never say never.

The three-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion hijacked new driver Aric Almirola’s introductory press conference on Wednesday morning at Stewart-Haas Racing when he suggested he could compete in a couple of NASCAR road course or dirt races next season.

Almirola was asked about his relationship with the Biagi DenBeste Xfinity Series team and if he wanted to continue racing part time with them in 2018 now that the No. 98 car is partnered with Stewart-Haas Racing.

"I sure hope so," Almirola said before Stewart interjected.

"We'll talk about it," Stewart said. "Maybe I want to drive it."

Naturally, that generated a loud gasp from the attending media.

"Oh, don't act like you weren't ready for a surprise today ... there are some road courses I might do," Stewart said.

The 46-year-old retired from full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition last season with 49 Cup victories and 11 Xfinity Series victories.

Stewart says the most likely appearances for him to try are the Xfinity Series races on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval or perhaps the Camping World Truck Series dirt races at his self-owned Eldora Speedway.

"If I come back, it won't be in a Cup car," Stewart said. "You know, everyone has talked about me running a Truck at Eldora. And you know, there are some road-course races. I loved road-course racing during my time as a Cup driver, so there are some road courses that Xfinity races on that I've never been to and I would like to try.

"I know Kurt did the test there, but I haven't really talked to him about how it went," Stewart said. "But, you know, I like (Charlotte track president) Marcus Smith and he learned a lot from (veteran promoter) Humpy Wheeler. He doesn't stay in line with traditional thinking, so I find that kind of cool."

Stewart earned eight wins on road courses during his 18-year NASCAR Cup Series career. He won five times at Watkins Glen and three times at Sonoma, including his final win last June with a thrilling last-lap pass over Denny Hamlin.